Should mast cells be considered therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis?

Author(s)

Pinke, Karen Henriette ^[1] ; Goncalves Zorzella-Pezavento, Sofia Fernanda ^[1] ; Lara, Vanessa Soares ^[2] ; Sartori, Alexandrina ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Bauru Sch Dent, Dept Surg Stomatol Pathol & Radiol, Bauru, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH; v. 15, n. 11, p. 1995-2007, NOV 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Mast cells are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are found throughout the body, including the central nervous system. They perform many functions associated with innate and specific immunity, angiogenesis, and vascular homeostasis. Moreover, they have been implicated in a series of pathologies (e.g., hypersensitivity reactions, tumors, and inflammatory disorders). In this review, we propose that this cell could be a relevant therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis, which is a central nervous system degenerative disease. To support this proposition, we describe the general biological properties of mast cells, their contribution to innate and specific immunity, and the participation of mast cells in the various stages of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development. The final part of this review is dedicated to an overview of the available mast cells immunomodulatory drugs and their activity on multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, including our own experience related to the effect of ketotifen fumarate on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis evolution. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/03965-2 - Role of the renin-angiotensin system in different oral inflammatory models: an experimental interdisciplinary and clinical approach
• Grantee: Carlos Ferreira dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/00239-6 - Involvement of mast cells in the protective effect of vitamin D on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
• Grantee: Karen Henriette Pinke
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate